USVI Public Records

Document text

Revised 5/2025 | Immunization School Requirements - VIDE 1 GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM ST. CROIX OFFICE ST. THOMAS OFFICE CHARLES HARWOOD COMPLEX 1303 HOSPITAL GROUND, SUITE 10 3500 ESTATE RICHMOND CHARLOTTE AMALIE CHRISTINASTED, ST. CROIX, VI. 00820-4370 ST. THOMAS, VI 00802-6722 TEL: (340)-718-1311 TEL: (340) 776-1113 June 2, 2025 Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D. Commissioner Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, VI 00802 RE: REQUIRED VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR Children enrolled in the United States Virgin Islands public school system must be immunized against communicable diseases except for those children who are exempt. All children registering for Granny preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle school, junior and high school must have a valid certificate of immunization for such diseases as Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Measles, Poliomyelitis, and all other diseases as are required by the standard listing issued annually by the Commissioner. The following immunizations are “required” for school entry in the United Sates Virgin Islands for the school year 2025-2026. Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps Rubella, Varicella, and Meningococcal.  One (1) dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) is required for children 11 years of age and above (eligibility for vaccination will be determined by health care provider).  Two (2) doses of Varicella vaccine are required for children in kindergarten through the 11th grade–both new and existing students who are entering/registering/repeating/ (eligibility to be determined by healthcare provider). Revised 5/2025 | Immunization School Requirements - VIDE 2  Please note that effective this 2025-2026 school year, two (2) doses of Varicella will be required for children in kindergarten through 11th grade. For more information concerning number of doses recommended based upon the child’s age and immunization history, please refer to the attached “Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years and younger.”  Before being issued immunization clearance form for school registration or being admitted to school, all children shall receive the required vaccine(s) (and total number of doses), at the minimum age recommended in the attached immunization schedule; however, for each child, eligibility to receive the required vaccine will be determined by the clinic nurse or healthcare provider.  Any child who received the immunization clearance form at the time of the clinic visit but have not completed the required vaccine series (due to the time intervals required between doses), must return to the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Clinic or their healthcare provider to complete the required vaccine series by the vaccination date(s) indicated and documented by the immunization provider in the child’s immunization record. If you have any questions regarding the vaccines required for school entry, please call the Department of Health Maternal Child and Health Clinic in St. Thomas/St. John (340) 777-8804 or (340) 514-6839 on St. Croix. If you have any questions concerning the vaccines recommended for infants and children specified above. Please note: Exemptions may be granted for school-aged children based on the principles and teachings of a recognized religious organizations/church, notarized personal statement, and if the vaccines/medical agents are medically contraindicated. Sincerely, _______________________________/ ______________ Justa Encarnacion, RN BSN, MBA/HCM Date Commissioner Virgin Islands Department of Health Pc: Principals, Administrators, and School Nurses 5/16/2025 Revised 5/2025 | Immunization School Requirements - VIDE 3